Current Affairs - Persons

Prof. Sreeram Chaulia's book, "Friends – India's Closest Strategic Partners," offers a nuanced perspective on India's foreign relations and strategic partnerships. The book explores India's relationships with seven key partners, providing historical and contemporary insights into the country's rising global position. Launched at an event attended by prominent figures, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, this comprehensive work sheds light on India's foreign policy and its pursuit of goodwill and cooperation with other nations, embodying the philosophy of "Vishwa Mitra" or "World Friend."

Harmeet Desai made history by securing dual titles at the WTT Feeder Caracas in Venezuela. He demonstrated exceptional skill, winning the Men's Singles title with a convincing 3-0 victory over France's Joe Seyfried. Additionally, Desai partnered with Krittwika Roy to clinch the Mixed Doubles title, edging out Cuba's Jorge Campos and Daniela Fonseca Carrazana 3-2 in a thrilling final. Desai's impressive performance underscores India's rising prominence in international table tennis, showcasing the country's growing talent and competitive edge in the sport. This achievement is a testament to India's thriving table tennis ecosystem.

The 352nd Governing Body meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is underway in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 28 to November 7. This significant gathering brings together representatives from member countries to discuss crucial labour issues and strategies for improving global working conditions. India's Labour and Employment Secretary, Sumita Dawra, will be attending the meeting to highlight India's progress in improving living standards and employment. The meeting provides a platform for countries to share best practices, address challenges, and promote decent work, aligning with the ILO's mission to protect workers' rights and promote social justice.

Colombia hosted the launch of India's updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan at COP 16, marking a significant step in global efforts to address biodiversity loss. This plan outlines India's commitment to halting biodiversity decline by 2030 and achieving harmonious coexistence with nature by 2050. The strategy focuses on collaborative approaches to restore ecosystems, wetlands, and coastal areas. By launching this plan at COP 16, India demonstrates its dedication to international cooperation and collective action in protecting the world's biodiversity. Colombia's hosting of COP 16 underscores its own commitment to environmental conservation.

Sumathi Dharmawardena, a Sri Lankan legal expert, has taken over as the new independent chair of the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), succeeding Sir Ronnie Flanagan who led the unit for 14 years. Dharmawardena brings a strong background in sports corruption investigations and legal representation, including roles with Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). As the ACU's Independent Chair, he will oversee and lead the unit responsible for maintaining the integrity of cricket, guiding the General Manager on integrity, and ensuring effective strategies to prevent corruption across international cricket. His expertise in overseeing high-profile investigations and prosecutions under the Prevention of Offences relating to the Sports Act makes him well-equipped to tackle sports corruption.